Saturday, 10 October 2026 ⚠️ Real Incident

Beware of Fake SARS Tax Refund Emails and SMSes

As the 23 October tax deadline approaches, scammers are sending fake SARS emails and text messages offering false refunds. SARS confirmed an email offering a R48,900 refund is a scam designed to steal login details.

What happened

As the 23 October tax deadline approaches, cybercriminals are targeting South Africans with fraudulent messages. Scammers send fake emails and SMSes claiming a tax refund is waiting, such as a fake notice offering R48,900. These messages direct victims to fake websites that steal login details and hijack tax profiles.

How it worked

First, scammers send an email or text message that mimics official SARS communications. Next, the message provides a link to a fake website designed to look like the eFiling login page. Once you enter your login credentials or PIN, the criminals steal your information to redirect your real tax refund.

How to protect yourself

• Navigate to SARS eFiling or the MobiApp directly rather than clicking links in messages.
• Never share your passwords, banking PINs, or one-time PINs with anyone.
• Delete suspicious tax messages and report them to [email protected] or your bank's fraud line.

Source: IT News Africa